TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) – Seven months after Hurricane Sandy came a calling, and thousands in New Jersey saw their primary homes damaged or destroyed, federal grants are being offered to help them rebuild.

Two programs are getting $780 million in funding from HUD.
One will help people move to another area of the county where they reside, but the lions share goes to keep them where they were before the storm.

“[It’s a] $600 million dollar program that will provide eligible homeowners up to $150, 000 in grant funds to aid in the restoration, reconstruction, rehabilitation, elevation and mitigation of damaged primary homes,” basically, what insurance and other assistance doesn’t cover, says New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Robert Constable.

Vacation properties are not eligible.

The state will open nine offices in the hard hit areas next week to accept applications, but you can get more information on line at http://renewjerseystronger.org/ or by calling 1-855-SANDYHM (726-3946).

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David Madden is a Philadelphia native with virtually a lifetime of experience in local radio. At the tender age of 13, his news reports were heard on WIBG Radio from time to time.
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